Forum Discussion
This Model Does Not Have a Named Expression
Do you have the Enhanced Dataset Metadata preview feature enabled (https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-enhanced-dataset-metadata)? If so, we're aware of an issue that causes the missing named expression error on refresh/apply changes if you have a table that contains measures/calc columns but no data columns. The workaround for now, as you've already observed, is to add a column to the "measure-only" tables.
Once the fix is released, you will not need this placeholder column.
I believe I found another possible solution to the problem. When creating a measure table in the desktop, you create the table, create your first measure and then delete the column in the desktop. Collapse and expand the Fields section and that measure table now has a measure table icon in front of it instead of the table icon. I went into the query editor, deleted the "Removed Columns" step and then removed the column in the query editor. Refreshed the preview and applied changes, no error. Will continue to monitor this in other reports.
Do you have the Enhanced Dataset Metadata preview feature enabled (https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-enhanced-dataset-metadata)? If so, we're aware of an issue that causes the missing named expression error on refresh/apply changes if you have a table that contains measures/calc columns but no data columns. The workaround for now, as you've already observed, is to add a column to the "measure-only" tables.
Once the fix is released, you will not need this placeholder column.